NCAA 2015

March Madness

Louisville starting point guard Chris Jones out at least a game

By Matt Norlander | College Basketball Writer

January 15, 2014 2:35 PM ET

Though not a pure point guard, Chris Jones has been the man running the show this season. (USATSI)

Louisville coach Rick Pitino said Wednesday during a press conference that Cardinals starting point guard Chris Jones has an oblique injury and will not play in the team's game Thursday against Houston.

Jones, a 5-foot-10, 175-pound junior college transfer, is averaging 11.3 points, third on the team, in addition to 2.2 rebounds and 2.9 assists. His past two games have been his worst of the season, combining for four points and five turnovers against Memphis and SMU.

Was this injury a factor in those performances? Evidence would indicate yes. Pitino also said Jones missed most of his time in the second half of the SMU game due to the injury.

Terry Rozier is expected to start in place of Jones against the Cougars. Louisville is 14-3 overall and off to a 3-1 start in the American Athletic Conference.